UCI Athletics to hold tailgate party before men's basketball game

The UC Irvine men’s basketball team kicks off its 2009-10 season Friday with a 7:30 p.m. game against the University of La Verne at the Bren Events Center. To rally support and raise Anteater spirit, UCI Athletics will host a pregame tailgate party on the basketball courts behind the center, starting at 5 p.m. While a DJ spins tunes, Associated Students of UCI will provide 300 free barbecue meals for students, and free kettle corn and cotton candy will be available for everyone. In addition, UCI Athletics staffers will distribute 2,500 free ‘Eater Nation T-shirts. At 5 p.m., the UCI women’s team plays San Diego State at the Bren Center.